The Public Prosecution is a judicial body responsible for investigating crimes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was established by a Royal Decree on May 29, 1989, under the name Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution before its name was changed to Public Prosecution on June 17, 2017. Its main headquarters is in the capital, Riyadh, and it aims to promote justice and protect the community.
Establishment of the Public Prosecution in the Kingdom
When the Public Prosecution in the Kingdom was established, it was linked to the Minister of Interior. However, the updated Public Prosecution Law has granted it full independence. It has become organizationally linked to the King, and no one has the right to interfere in its affairs. It is considered a part of the judicial authority, and it employs criminal investigators who hold judicial status.
Work of the Public Prosecution in the Kingdom
The Public Prosecution in the Kingdom works on the principle of safeguarding rights and freedoms, further solidifying and promoting the principle through collaboration with pertinent judicial and executive entities. The fundamental role of the Public Prosecution includes investigating crimes and deciding whether to file or dismiss a case, in addition to conducting public prosecutions before judicial entities, requesting appeals or reversing verdicts, and supervising the execution of penal sentences.
According to its law updated by a decision of the Council of Ministers in April 2020, the Public Prosecution in the Kingdom has been granted the authority to supervise and inspect prisons, detention centers, and any place where criminal sentences are executed.
The existing prosecution system within the Kingdom's Public Prosecution
On September 30, 2021, a set of new public prosecution areas was inaugurated after being approved by the Public Prosecution Council and added for the first time to the existing public prosecution areas within the Public Prosecution. These include the Cassation Prosecution and the Appeals Prosecution.
New designations for branches and divisions were amended as follows: Traffic Prosecution, Environment Prosecution, Trafficking in Persons Prosecution, Cybercrimes Prosecution, Public Ethics Prosecution, Funds Prosecution, Family and Juvenile Prosecution, Drugs Prosecution, Economic Crimes Prosecution, Crimes Against Public Trust Prosecution, National Security Prosecution, Assault on Persons Prosecution, International Cooperation Prosecution, Public Prosecution, Prison Oversight Prosecution, and Inspection Prosecution.
Organizational arrangements of the Public Prosecution in the Kingdom
The public prosecutor is appointed by a Royal Decree at the rank of Minister. Members of the Public Prosecution may not concurrently engage in trade, professions, or occupations that conflict with the independence and integrity of the entity's activities.
All activities performed by the Public Prosecution are highly confidential, including investigations and others. Members of the Prosecution may not disclose the secrets they learn by virtue of their work, even after leaving the service.
Members of the Public Prosecution in the Kingdom can only face trial under disciplinary conditions and rules. Their service may conclude due to any of the following circumstances: accepted resignation, attaining the age of sixty-five, mandatory retirement, consistent receipt of subpar competency ratings three times consecutively, breach of trust and respect inherent to the role, health-related incapacitation, failure to demonstrate suitability during the probationary period, or unfortunate demise.
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